Rotten Wood Repair – Blog Post

Rotten wood repair is one of the most important things to do before painting a property. Moisture in wood provides a breeding ground for fungi. Any exposed piece of wood is at risk. Even a tiny nick in the finish or paint of a window trim can let unwanted moisture in. Fungus feeds on moisture, eating away at wood and causing rot. Here are a few reasons why rotten wood should never go untreated:

Widespread Damage: Rotten wood becomes more and more difficult and costly to repair over time. There are several types of fungus spores floating around in the air, harmless until they find a host, such as wet wood. Once in the wood, they germinate and produce strands. The fungus eats cellulose, which is a component found in wood. Once the food source is exhausted, it spreads to surrounding wood, in search of a new host. Eventually, the fungus spreads to the entire structure, turning all of the wood brittle and friable. This puts the entire structure at risk. The longer the rot is left untreated, the more widespread the damage. Early detection and action is key.

Insect Infestation: Insects such as termites, carpenter ants, deathwatch beetles, and wood-boring weevils thrive in rotten wood. Rot creates cavities within the wood, providing these bugs with a safe, secluded place to breed. There is also plenty of moisture and food—cellulose and starch—to sustain them.

Health and Safety Hazards: Rotten wood causes a number of health and safety hazards. The moisture and resulting condensation can lead to mold growth. Mold feeds on cellulose. Certain strains of mold can cause allergic reactions and even produce dangerous toxins, such as black mold. Also, paint could chip off of the rotted wood, which would be especially hazardous if lead based. Additionally, damage to the structure could cause the floor or roof to cave in.

We offer many composite and synthetic materials for wood replacement and siding. Contact us today for a free, detailed professional estimate.